It’s the dream that so many of us dream of: tying the knot in a magnificent castle or chateau that provides not only an idyllic backdrop for our wedding photos, but also memories to last for a lifetime. What you may not have realized, however, is that it’s also a perfectly attainable goal.

What attracts us to castles or chateaux in the first place?

This may seem like a redundant question to ask, but it’s worth reminding ourselves of the answers, nonetheless. Any of us who have ever browsed such properties while on holiday know that an authentic castle or similar historic property has a real majesty about it.

We’re talking, here, about a property that far transcends our normal, day-to-day experience. Just think of all of the paintings you’ve ever looked at down the years by the great Romantic artists, often featuring a windswept castle or chateau atop a hill, cliff or mountain.

There’s a sense of mystery, nobility and romance about castles and chateaus that we just can’t stop falling in love with – and with the original use of such properties as private residences or actual fortresses having long been exhausted by the 21st century, many of them can now be hired for weddings just like yours.

But surely, a castle or chateau isn’t exactly a practical option?

You might have thought that, but so have the owners of such properties, which has led many of them to go to great measures to make their castles or chateaux sensible, not merely romantic places to tie the knot.

Many of the surviving properties of this type today can offer all of the necessary equipment, catering services and even wedding planning services to minimise any stress or inconvenience for couples looking to formalise their union there.

However, a lot of castles or chateaux are surprisingly practical in any case. Château Bouffémont, for instance, is one of the most sought-after chateau wedding venues, in part because it is so greatly situated, a mere 30 kilometres from central Paris and 20 minutes from Charles de Gaulle Airport.

You’d have hardly thought, however, that you were located so close to the City of Lights if you were stood in Château Bouffémont’s spectacular manicured French gardens, given the property’s situation at the heart of the utterly enchanting Montmorency Forest.

Combine such profound advantages for those holding their nuptials there with the more than 2,000 square metres of indoor space encompassing jaw-dropping salons, suites and rooms characterised by crystal chandeliers and fine fabrics, and it’s easy to see why this particular chateau is so popular.

However, it is just one of the many magnificent castle and chateau properties across the world that you may consider for you and your beloved’s own celebration.

Don’t underestimate the legalities!

Whether you decide to get married at an English castle, French chateau or any other historic property, it is important to appreciate the legal dimension of tying the knot somewhere like this.

While many people dream of holding their wedding in France, for instance, they may not be aware of the law stating that at least one of the parties to be married is required to be a resident of the country for a minimum of 40 consecutive days prior to the big day.

The good news is that as outlined by Prestige Property Group, there are various potential workarounds for this. One thing that many couples do in this situation is have a private, civil ceremony in their home country prior to holding an extravagant celebration – what they are likely to consider their ‘true’ wedding – at the chateau or castle of their dreams.

As you can see, the magic of a castle or chateau wedding isn’t necessarily beyond your grasp. Stay practically-minded and you, too, can have the very, very special day at a very, very special venue that you may have yearned for since you were a child.

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